Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

The course examines the relations between  animals, humans and their environment using selected ecological case studies and cultural theory. Emphases understanding the ongoing reciprocity between environment and culture, including assessment of the variety of human adaptations through technology over evolutionary time. Topics such as sustainability and the equitable use of resources will be considered. The course also serves as an introduction to ecological anthropology and the sub-field of cultural ecology.  Students should read and write at a basic college level.

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

• Compare values and beliefs related to animal symbolism and food taboos from an anthropological perspective.
• Identify basic concepts in culture, ecology, animal biology, and adaptation.
• Discuss systems of power and social justice issues related to sustainability and the equitable use of resources from an anthropological perspective.
• Use an understanding of anthropology to identify how cultural values impact  animal-human interactions and environmental issues, such as global warming, climate change, species extinction, and the global ecosystem.

To apply the knowledge gained in the class to help resolve both enduring and contemporary problems in the world with particular attention to the linkage between animals, culture and environment.

Course Activities may include any of the following:

• lectures
• class exercises
• presentations
• demonstrations
• discussions
• guest speakers
• field trips
• assigned readings
• library research

The course uses text readings; regular in-class discussion, brief quizzes, a field project; and midterm and final exams. These are presented in a sequence of topical weeks that develop from and succeed each other, plus their cumulative integration. Texts can be obtained used at low prices online. Online materials, documentaries, monographs, films and related materials are used at the discretion of the instructor.

Assessment strategies may include any of the following:

•  regular discussions 
• midterm and final exams 
•  project paper
• quizzes
•  small-group exercises
•  field exercises
• presentations
•  student presentations

Course Content:

   Themes:

• Characteristics of Systems
• Ecology-Culture Reciprocity
• Cultural Impact
• Food Taboos
• Animal and Human Interactions and Adaptions

   Concepts:    

• System
• Biosphere
• Ecology
• Culture
• Ecosystem
• Environment
• Animal Adaptation
• Globalization
• Individuation

   Issues:         

• colonial and post-colonial dominance
• population growth
• economic exploitation
• biocides and pollutants
• role of animals in cultural ecology
• relationship of animals, humans and the environment
• environmental destruction
• extinctions

   Competencies and Skills Resulting:  

• Understand ecological anthropology at the college level  
• Recognize its relation to biological and evolutionary aspects 
• Apply knowledge of  the culture-environment relation in work
• Describe the relationship between animals,  people and the environment
• Articulate these factors in contemporary environmental problems
• Recognize and utilize these concerns for the realities of life